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23  WIST  MAIN  STRUT 

WIBSTn,N.y.  14SM 

(716)t72-4S03 


4^ 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHIVI/ICIVIH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiquas 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Note*  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


Tl 
to 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographicaliy  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 


D 


D 


D 
D 
D 
D 

D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


I      I    Covers  damaged/ 


Couverture  endommagie 


Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaur^  et/ou  pelliculie 


I — I    Cover  title  missing/ 


Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 


I      I    Coloured  maps/ 


D 


Cartes  giographiques  en  couleur 


Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


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Bound  with  other  material/ 
Relii  avec  d'autres  documents 


Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
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La  re  liure  serrde  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
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Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajoMties 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mais.  lorsque  cela  6tait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  M  fiimAes. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  suppiimentaires; 


L'Institut  a  microfilm*  ie  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  M  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-Atre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  mithode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiquAs  ci-dessous. 


□   Coloured  pages/ 
Pages  de  couleur 

□    Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagies 

I      I    Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 


D 


Pages  restaur^es  et/ou  pellicuides 

Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxet 
Pages  dicolordes,  tachetdes  ou  piqudes 

Pages  detached/ 
Pages  ditach^es 

Showthrough/ 
Transparence 

Quality  of  prir 

Qualiti  inigale  de  I'impresslon 

Includes  supplementary  materii 
Comprend  du  materiel  suppl^mentaire 

Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponible 


Tl 

P< 
of 
fil 


Oi 
bi 
th 
sii 
ot 
fir 
si< 
or 


ryi  Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 

I      I  Pages  detached/ 

r~7|  Showthrough/ 

I      I  Quality  of  print  varies/ 

|~n  Includes  supplementary  material/ 

I     I  Only  edition  available/ 


Th 
sh 
Tl 

wl 

Ml 
dil 

enl 
be 

rig 
rei 
mi 


Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  M  fiimies  A  nouveau  de  facon  d 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  film*  au  taux  de  rMuction  indiquA  ci-dessous. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 


26X 


aox 


y 

12X 


1^ 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


Tha  copy  fiimad  h«r«  has  baan  raproducad  thanks 
to  tha  ganarosity  of: 

Douglas  Library 
Quaan's  Univarsity 


L'axamplaira  filmA  fut  raproduit  grflca 
g^niroaiti  da: 

Douglas  Library 
Quaan's  Univarsity 


la 


Tha  imagas  appaaring  hara  ara  tha  bast  quality 
possibia  considaring  tha  condition  and  lagibility 
of  tha  original  copy  and  in  kaaping  with  tha 
filming  contract  spacif Ications. 


Original  copias  in  printad  papar  covars  ara  filmad 
baginning  with  tha  front  covar  and  anding  on 
tha  last  paga  with  a  printad  or  lllustratad  impras- 
sion,  or  tSia  back  covar  whan  appropriata.  All 
othar  original  copias  ara  filmad  baginning  on  tha 
first  paga  with  a  printad  or  liluatratad  impras- 
sion,  and  anding  on  tha  last  paga  with  a  printad 
or  lllustratad  imprassion. 


Las  Imagas  sulvantaa  ont  AtA  raproduitas  avac  ia 
plus  grand  soin,  compta  tanu  da  la  condition  at 
da  la  nattat*  da  l'axamplaira  film«,  at  an 
conformiti  avac  las  conditions  du  contrat  da 
filmaga. 

Laa  axamplairas  orlginaux  dont  la  couvartura  an 
papiar  ast  imprimis  sont  filmfo  an  comman9ant 
par  la  pramiar  plat  at  an  tarminant  salt  par  la 
darnlAra  paga  qui  comporta  una  ampralnte 
d'Improaslon  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  la  sacond 
plat,  aalon  la  cas.  Toua  las  autras  axamplairas 
orlginaux  sont  filmis  an  commandant  par  la 
pramlAra  paga  qui  comporta  una  amprainta 
d'imprassion  ou  d'illustration  at  an  tarminant  par 
la  darniira  paga  qui  comporta  una  talla 
amprainta. 


Tha  last  racordad  frama  on  aach  microficha 
shall  contain  tha  symbol  — »>  (moaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  tha  symbol  V  (moaning  "END"), 
whichavar  applias. 


Un  daa  symbolas  suivants  apparaltra  sur  la 
darniAra  imaga  da  chaqua  microficha,  salon  la 
cas:  ia  symbols  — ►  signifia  "A  SUIVRE",  ia 
symbola  ▼  signifia  "FIN". 


Maps,  platas,  charts,  ate,  may  ba  filmad  at 
diffarant  raduction  ratios.  Thosa  too  larga  to  ba 
antiraiy  included  in  ona  axposura  ara  filmad 
baginning  in  tha  uppar  laft  hand  cornar,  laft  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  framas  as 
raquirad.  Tha  following  diagrams  illustrata  tha 
mathod: 


Las  cartas,  planchas.  tablaaux,  ate.  pauvant  Atra 
filmfo  A  das  taux  da  reduction  diffirants. 
Lorsqua  ia  document  ast  trop  grand  pour  Atra 
raproduit  an  un  saui  cllchi.  11  ast  film*  i  partir 
da  I'angia  supiriaur  gaucha.  da  gaucha  A  droita, 
at  da  haut  an  bas,  an  pranant  la  nombra 
d'imagas  nicassaira.  Las  diagrammas  suivants 
illustrant  ia  mithoda. 


1 

2 

3 

1 

a 

3 

4 

s 

6 

THB 


■■& 


BAVVsa  iPr  *sA*t«i«miiB< 


AN  ADDRESS, 


Br  St.  JOHN  B.  U  WNNI^ 


f^-  •*"'    >-,•- 


tI,ATT8B0R0^{ 

1835. 


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\a35S 


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'■•l->'^ii,i 


NMMfitiwMMreMORt 


f umwRM  LvewM,  } 


Fed.  I«,  itas. 

Ijiwwgtjijdfew  OB  th»  ••Btltleor  Ptattabai|:i,** 
'         ~  Elf. 


oTtUi  Nf^ir  be  prmoted  to  0*n.  Skimf£j 


k  t  InM  W.  R. 
EJ.TENIIY,Se*e7. 

ieaUag  to  fmi  th*  plnrare 

Nitemiig  to  yoor  iatomtinc 

in  pvrMnaee  of  th«  fotc* 

rraqlii,  «c  am  Dwr  Sir  your  frien*  •ni  oben  levn* 
1.  W.  iL  BROMLEY. 


Plattibtrtli  lfu«b  ad,  IISS. 


L.  DOW  BROCK. 
HBNRV  BILILEY. 


% 


s 


■fa; 


:  liMC  W.  R. 


r  th«  f Infoi* 
mr  intemtiof 
eeof  thclbre> 

i4obe*t-wv*t> 
V. 


'.* 


'■_^-ii:.     S 


( 


Apsiiass. 


Mr.  PftKtlDClfT^ 

And  GfiNTLiSMBN  &F  Ttffe  SOCIIfiTY: 

I  am  requaetei  by  your  standing  cbtntnittee,  to 
lecture  this  evening  on  ^  the  Battle  of  Plattsburgh, 
its  causes  and  effedk^  la  most  cheerfolly  com- 
plying wkh  this  reqiiatft^  i  itittSt  be  permitt^  to  ex- 
press my  regret,  tkat  the  subject  had  not  been  com- 
flMtted  to  abler  handle  as  it  is  an  event  in  which 
this  cdiinunMir  must  feel  a  deep  interest-^an  event 
which  in  its  enlftiiHii  lament  portended  siieh  disas- 
trous consequences  to  jiHli  country  and  its  iniiahit- 
ants;  but  which  Ns^lkttcl  iB<  saving  our  t^intary 
from  rapine,  our  border  d^dflings  from  pina|^<  and 
our  citizens  from  banishment,  e^rtivi^  or  difith. 
.  In  order  to  a  proper  understanding  of  tlie  subject* 
it  will  be  well  to  glance  at  some  circumstanced 
which  preceded  this  event  It  will  doubtless  be 
recollected  by  many  present^  that  it  was  apparently 
the  intention  of  the  government  to  make  the  cam- 
paign of  1814,  a  glorious  and  decisive  one — ^that  a 
descent  upon  Montreal  was  contemplated,  by  the 
way  of  I^aVe  Champ^ain  and  the  river  St.  Lawrence 
at  the  same  time — that  for  this  purpose,  great  ad- 
ditions were  made  to  the  army  on  this  frontier  du- 
ring the  winter  and  spring-^and  that  about  the  first 
of  June  of  that  year,  the  grand  army  of  the  North 
was  from  eiffht  to  ten  thousand  strong,  under  the 
command  of  Major  General  George  Izard.  About 
this  time  it  was  evident  that  measures  of  an  offen- 
sive character  were  in  contemplation— -that  it  was 
the  intention  of  General  Izard,  either  to  compel  the 


oil 


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56048 


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If 


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! 


6nemy  to  fight  him  near  the  lines,  ^r  to  carry  the 
war  into  the  heart  of  his  own  country. 

Gen.  Thomas  Smith,  with'  Ms  brigade  of  light 
troops,  occupied  the  high  ^ound  immediately  south 
ofthe  village  of  Cl\|implam,  while  the  daring  and 
gallant  Col.  Forsyth,  with  his  Riflemen,  occupied  a 
position  immediately  upon  the  lines.  Frequent 
■kirmishes  tdok  place  in  the  neighborhood  of  the 
lines,  between  our  light  troops  and  the  enemy's 
light  troops  and  Indians,  In  one  of  these  skirmish- 
es the  gallant  Forsyth  fell;  a  victim  to  his  hardihood 
and  bravery;  mourned  and  lamented  by  his  officers 
and  men,  as  much  as  any  officer  who  fell  during  Ihe 
struggle;  for  he  was  truly  their  le^r#iMl  their 
head,  in  scenes  of  daring  and  <^  danger;  and  the 
idol  of  (heir  heart9  in  cwrip.  The  writer  of  this 
ar^cheiijaaited  the  Rifle  Camp  the  day  after  they 
bad  coiiitiitted  tbe  mortal  remains  of  their  beloved 
commaiider  to  tii0[«arth;  and  it  was  manifest,  from 
the  geneialgloom  which  pervaded  the  whole  camp, 
that  soma  great  calamity  had  befallen  them.  There 
were  no  gibes  nor  jests  among  them,  as  is  common 
^mong^diers  when  off  duty— each  one  seemed 
wrapped  in  his  own  gloomy  meditations,  and  intent 
only  on  seeking  and  taking  signal  vengeance  for  the 
death  of  him,  who  had  so  often  led  them  to  deeds 
of  valor— to  victory  and  to  fame. 

They  were  not  long  waiting  for  an  opportunity. 
For,  {  believe  the  next  morning,  Lieut.6ennet  Riley  a 
brave  and  daring  officer,  with  sixteen  men  was  over 
the  line  for  the  purpose  of  reconnoiteringthe  enemy 
when  he  <liscovered  capt.  Mayhew,  who  command- 
ed the  British  ani^  Indians,  in  the  afiair  in  which 
Fqrsvth  fell,  ond  the  Indian  Chief  who,  it  was  under- 
stood and  believed,  was  the  individual  who  had 
takcii  supji  si^c  and  deadly  aim  at  him ;  -wiyapcing 


* 


irry  tha 

)f  light 
ly  south 
ing  and 
upied  a 
requent 
d  of  the 
enemy's 
drmish- 
cdihood 
officers 
ring  the 
ii<l  their 
and  the 
r  of  this 
ter  theiy 
beloved 
jst,  from 
e  campr 
.  There 
:oromon 
seemed 
d  intent 
e  for  the 
;o  deeds 

jrtunity. 
I  Riley  a 
ms  over 
3  enemy 
nmand- 

n  which 
under- 
/bo  had 
yancing 


pn  horseback  towards  the  American  Camp,  attend- 
ed by  a  small  party  of  British  soldiers  and  Indians,, 
who  were,  however,  considerably  in  the  roan  Riley, 
immediately  ambushed  and  permitted  the  Captain 
and  Indian  Chief  to  pass  him,  before  he  discovered 
himself;  after  they  had  passed  a  short  distance,,  he 
unmasked  and  oommanded  them  to  surrender:  their 
attendants  fled,  and  they  preferrinff  to  make  their 
escape  also,  attempted  to  do  so,  by  putting  their 
horses  at  the  top  oi  their  speed^a  second  order  to 
surrender  was  unheededi  and  was  followed  by  the 
order  to .'' Fire  !^'  both  fell.  The  last  spark  of  life 
had.  fled  from  the  Indian  Chief  when  the  party  came 
up,  an4on  examination  it  was  found,  that  ne  had 
received  twelve  olthi.^ixteen  balls  which  were  fired, 
and  Capt.  Mayhew  the  Munainine  four;  who«  thouffh 
not  dead,  was  mortally  wounded.  He  was  brotinit 
to  the  camp  wh<ere  he  received  every  attention^  but 
survived  only  a  few  davs. 

About  the  first  of  August,  Gen.  Iiard,  with  the 
main  body  of  his  army,  moved  from  Plattsbui^h  to- 
ward the  lines,  and  encamped  near  Chazy  village. 
It  was  also  well  understood  that  the  eneinv  had  as- 
sembled in  force  at  isle  Aux  Noijc  and  St.  Johns, 
while  a  still  larger  force  occupied  the  leiirel  country 
between  St  Johns  and  Laprairie.  From  all  thf»<i 
indications,  we  were  led  to  expect  a  battle  of  s 
severe  and  decisive  character  in  a  short  time.  In  a 
letter  to  Maj.  Gen.  Mooers,  under  date  of  Idth  Au- 
gust, Gen.  Izard  says,**  It  is  not  improbable  that  an 
engagement  will  take  place  soon  on  the  lines,"  and 
adds,**  I  see  no  cause  for  apprehending  the  result," 
from  which  it  would  appear,  he  felt  perfect  confi- 
dence in  his  strength  and  abiUty,  not  only  that  he 
.could  fight,  but  beat  the  enemy  in  open  field. 

While  the  whole  .commianity  were  ^hus  anxously 


;m 


m 


'li 


■e- 


0 


%«.•'. 


raitibg  :ind  looking  for  tn  engagement  between  two 
poirerhil  armies,  the  result  of  which  wat  to  be  of 
auch  vaat  importance,  not  only  to  this  frontier,  but 
to  the  virhole  country ;  Gen.  uard  received  orders 
to  move  with  the  mam  body  of  his  army  to  the  wes- 
tern frontier.  The«e  orders  mu«t  have  reached  him 
about  the  2dth  August,  as  he  mentioQui  the  fact  in  a 
letter  to  Qov.  Tompkins,  of  that  date. 

Tho  troops  were  immediately  put  in  motion  and 
Regiment  after  Regiment  took  up  its  line  of  march 
for  the  Niagara  frontier,  until  our  strong  arm  of  de- 
ftnce  was  reduced  to  1500  eflfSective  men  who  had 
retired  to  the  works,  which  had  been  previouf^ 
ttammmcedj  on  the  high  grounds  betweeath# River 
Saranac  and  the  lake*  a  short  diatonee  south  of  the 
village  of  Plattsburgh,  The  command  of  this  small 
itrmy,  and  the  defence  left  only  of  this  post,  but  of 
dia.  whole  i>ontier  from  Lake  Champlain  to  the  river 
St.  Lawrence,  the  defence  of  our  homes-^our  fire- 
fndes  and  ill  we  held  dear,  was  committed  to  Brigt 
Oein^  Alexaddet  Macomb,  and  the  result  has  shown 
that  they  could  not  have  been  committed  to  abler 
haads.  The  fortifications  were  in  a  considerable 
stale  of  forwardness  when  Qen.  Izard  niarcbed,  and 
eubsequently,  the  work  of  completion  was  prosecu-* 
ted  with  an  ardour  and  a  zeal  worthy  the  cause  in 
which  the  troops  were  engaged. 

For  the  purpose  of  creating  an  emulation  and  a 
iseal  among  the  officers  and  men,  in  completing  the 
works,  they  were  divided  by  Gen.  Macomb  into  de^ 
tachments,  and  placed  near  the  several  forts,  and  it 
ivas  published  in  orders,  that  each  detachment  was 
the  garrison  of  its  own  work,  and  bound  to  defend  it 
to  the  last  extremity. 

This  had  the  desired  effect  ^  for  the  men  worked 
day  and  night,  and  before  the  final  attack  was  made 


e 

e 


0611  two 

to  be  of 
ier,  but 
I  orders 
he  wes- 
iied  him 
act  in  a 

ion  and 
f  march 
nofde- 
irbo  had 
eviously 
)#  River 
hoftho 
lis  small 
it,  but  of 
the  river 
Diiir  fire- 
to  Brig* 
|is  shown 
o  abler 
iderable 
ed,  and 
>rosecu-» 
cause  in 

n  and  a 
ting  the 
into  de^ 
and  it 
ent  was 
efend  it 

Iworked 
is  made 


th«  forts  were  in  a  situation  to  witlistaiid  an  Kttack 
from  a  much  larger  force  than  that  by  which  they 
were  defended. 

The  following  order  published  the  day  before  the 
enemy  entered  our  village,  is  a  fine  specimen  of  th«f 
excellent  arrangements  made  by  Gen.  Macomb  for 
the  defence  of  the  post,  and  an  evidence  of  the  de- 
termination which  pervaded  all  ranks^to  retain  pos^ 
session  of  the  works^  or  perish  in  their  defence. 

HEAD'QtARTtRS,  > 

Plattssurgh  Sept.  5,  * 
GENERAL  ORDERS. 

The  General  is  now  satisfied  that  the  enemy  #ilf 
attack  the  post  in  a  few  days.  He  relies  with  con- 
fidence on  the  valor  and  intrepidity  of  those  heha« 
the  honor  to  command.  Let  it  not  be  said  Ibaf 
Erie  was  better  defended  ^tn  Plattsbnrgh.  It  was 
there  that  the  American  Soldiers  met,  and  defeated 
the  heroes  of  Spain,  France,  and  Pertugtl«  Mid  their 
example  must  be  followed  or  our  reputation  to  lettf 
The  eyes  of  America  are  upon  us !  Fort«iie  alwavcr 
favors  the  brave.  The  works  being  now  cmamier 
of  resisting  a  powerful  attack,  the  manner  of  iiefen- 
ding  them,  the  General  thinks  it  his  duty  to  detafl, 
that  every  man  may  know  and  do  his  mity. 

The  troops  will  Hne  the  parapet  in  two  ranlify 
leaving  intervals  for  the  artiHeiy.  A  rej^erve  of  <pe 
fifth  of  the  whole  fbrce  in  infantry  wUl  be  detailed 
and  paraded,  fronting  the  several  angles,  whUsh  it 
will  be  their  particular  dnty  to  sastain.  To  each 
bastion  are  to  be  assigned  by  the  several  Commftii- 
dants,  of  forts  a  sufficient  number  of  infantry  to  line 
all  the  faces  (in  sing^  rank)  of  each  Tier.  Should 
the  enemy  gain  the  ditch,  the  froiit  rank  oCthe  part 
aaaailed  wiit  mount  the  parapet  and  vepel  htoii  witfi 
its  &re  and  the  bi^yonet.    If  the  men  •ot  this  faik  aeve 


n 


A 


/ 


J 


' 


det^rmtned,  Ha  human  force  cain  dispoiseBs  them  of 
Ihtt  pofition.  The  officers  are  commanded  topiit 
to  initant  death  any  man  who  deserts  his  post. 

The  principal  work,  Fort  Moreau,  is  intrusted  to 
the  commana  of  Col.  Melancton  Smith,  of  the  29th 
Regiment)  havingfor  its  garison  the  old 6th  and  his 
own  Regiment.  Redoubt  No.  1  (a:fterwards  named 
Fort  Scott)  is  intrusted  to  Lieut.  Col.  Storrs,  and  tho 
deiachmentf  of  thA  30th  and  Slat  will  form  its  garri- 
son. Redoubt  No.  2  (afterwards  named  Fort  Brown) 
is  intrusted  to  Major  Vinson,  and  has  for  its  garri- 
•on  the  .')3d  and  34th  infantry.  The  block  house 
Dear  Platt^s,  is  intrusted  to  Ca^t.  Smith  of  the  1st 
Rifle  Regiment,  and  has  for  its  defence  detachments 
ofhis  company  and  convalescejate  of  the  4th  Regi- 
ment The  block  houMi  on  the  point  is  intrusted 
to  Lieut  Fowler,  and  ml  be  garrisoned  by  a  detach- 
ment of  artillerv.  The  light  troops  under  Lieut. 
Col.  Applbig  anaCapt  Qbroul,  will  take  post  in  the 
ra? ine  niir  the  Assistantlnspector  Generars  Mar- 
^OttOf  when  thojr  come  in,  and  will  receive  orders  from 
'tooOeiieral. 

The  light  artillery  will  take  such  position  as  will 
best  annoy  the  columns  of  the  enemy,  keeping  up 
constantly  a  brisk  fire  on  them— they  will  also  take 
post  when  not  employed  in  the  same  ravine  .with  the 
light  troops. 

Mr.  Paris,  Captain  of  the  artificers  will  form  a 
corps  of  Rocketeers  with  his  men-they  will  take  di- 
freetion  firom  the  chief  engineer.    The  artillery  is  to 
te  considered  a  seperate  service,  and  the  officers 
of  that  arm  are  responsible  to  the  Commanding 
^General  for  the  correct  exercise  of  their  functions. 
^Tbe  ofilcers  of  engineers  will  five  directions  for  ad- 
ditional defences  and  for  repairs,  as  occasion  may 
require,  which  it  will  be  the  duty  of  the  several 


I 


I  them  of 
)d  topiit 

08t. 

ruBted  to 
the  29th 
ii  and  his 
la  named 
I,  and  the 
Hagarri- 
t  Brown) 
its  garri- 
ik  house 
'  the  1st 
ichments 
th  Regi- 
intrusted 
a  detach- 
er Lieut. 
3st  in  the 
il's  Mar- 
lers  from 

m  as  will 

eping  up 

uso  take 

with  the 

U  form  a 

take  di- 

ery  is  to 

officers 
manding 
inctions. 
\a  for  ad- 
ion  may 

several 


I 


\ 


->.rr#-r: 


Commallifaiits  to  lend  all  the  afd  in  tiftif  'j^ov^t* 
execute. 

Every  man  knowing  his  post,  andf  his  duly,  fiO  ex- 
cuse can  be  received  for  not  executinff  with  firmness 
and  decision,  all  that  may  be  required  for  a  vigor- 
ous defence  of  the  place. 

J9y  order  Brig.  Gen,  Macomb^  ConCg. 

Wm.  R.DUHCAVi 

Act.  Asst.  Adj.  General 
The  withdrawal  of  our  troops  from  the  linei  WM 
immediately  followed  by  the  advance  of  the  ^ne^ly 
into  onr  territory.  All  was  bustle  and  confusion  in 
and  about, our  village,  consequent  upon  the  brenk- 
in^  up  of  our  feroilieSi  and  removing  our  women  and 
children  to  places  of  safety. 

It  can  scarcely  be  expected  that  any  ]iidfv^al« 
after  a  lapse  of  more  than  twenty  years^  can  reipl- 
lect  all  the  circumstances  of  an  event^  i6'  fratght 
with  important  consequences,  and  acted  titider  so 
much  excitement  as  necessarily  attends  the  seijge 
and  defence  of  a  town.  1  therefore  avail  myselfof 
a  concise  summary  of  the  affair,  (with  occasional 
reminiscences  of  my  own)  as  drawn  up  immediiite'* 
]y  after  the  retreat  of  the  enemy,  bv  our  respected 
friend  and  fellow  townsman  Major  Azariah  C.  Flagg, 
and  published  by  him  in  the  Plattsburgh  Republican 
of 'the  24th  September,  1814.  I  find  this  same  ac- 
count copied  mto  a  work  entitled  **  American  Na- 
val Battles,'*  without  bein^  credited.  I  therefore 
tfeike  this  opportunity  of  givm^  credit  to  the  ttue 
source  for  the  article  in  question,  and  may  be  per- 
mitted also  to  re  mark,  that  the  autlror  of  the  article 
with  his  characteristic  modesty,  has  emitted  the 
mention  of  any  service  rendered  by  the  corps  of 
which  he  was  a  prominent  and  active  member. 
**  On  the  3lst  August,  the  advance  of  the  British 


tM 


■:'t^\im^3b- 


ih- 


10 

^       army  under  G on.  Brisbane,  entered  Champlain,  and 
encamped  on  the  north  side  of  the  great  Chazy  ri- 
Hi)^,  ver4.andonthe  sameday  Maj.  Gen.  Mooers  order- 

ed out  the  militia  of  the   counties   of  Clinton  and 

^  Cssex,^'   67}  niasse,    I  regret   that  I   have  not  been 

•  *  able  to  procure  a  copy  of  this  order,  to  lay  before  you 

at  this  time — I  well  recollect,  it  was  a  spirited  and 

soulstirring  document,  and  well  calculated  to  arouse 

all  the  latent  sparks  of  patriotism  and  love  of  coun- 

^  try,  and  kiiidle  them  into  a  flame.  "  The  regiment 
from  Clinton  county  under  Lt.Col.  Miller  immediate- 
ly  assembled,  and  on  the  2d  Sept.  took  a  position  on 
tneVest  road  near  the  village  of  Chazy ;  and  on  the 

,  3d  Gen.  Wright  with  such  of  his  brigade  as  had  ar- 
rived, occupied  a  position  on  the  same  road,  abqut 

:  tight  miles  in  advance  of  this  place.  On  the  4th 
the  enemy  having  brought  up  his  main  body  to 
Chfiinplfiti,  took  up  his  line  of  march  for  Platts- 
buirgb*  The  Hifle  corps  under  Lieut.  Col.  Appling 
on'^tne  lake  road,  fell  back  as  far  as  Dead  Creek, 

I  blocking  up  the  toad  in  such  a  manner   as  to  im- 

I  peclethe  advance  of  the  enemy  as  much  as  possi- 

^  ble.    The  enemy  advanced  on  the  5th,  within  a 

I  fewjniles  of  Col.  Appling^s  position,  and  finding  it 
too  strong  to  attack,  halted,  and  caused  a  road  to 

'  be  made  west  into  the  Beekmantown  road,  in  which 
the  light  brigade  under  Gen.  Powers  advanced; 
and  oh  the  n^orning  of  the  6th,  about  7  o'clock,  at- 
tacked the  militia,  which  had  at  this  time  increased 
to' nearly  700,  under  Gen.  Mooers;  and  a  small  de- 
tachment   of  regulars    under  Major  Wool,    about 

!   seven  miles  from  this  place.    After  the  first  fire,  a 

eonsiderable  part  of  the  militia  bruke  and  fled  in 

every   direction.     Many  hdwever,  manfully  stood 

their  ground,  and  with   the   small  corps  of  Major 

■  Wool,  bravely  contested   the   ground  against  five 


1 


tinfiei 
cupy 
they 
weire 
Capt 
posit 
the  p 
At 
pline 
troop 
ards 
J  was 
1  little 
1  the  re 
C.  PI 
and  t 


IJ 


^^ 


•♦ 


.^rd 


plain,  and 

Chazy  ri- 

jrs  order- 

linton  and 

not  been 

)efor^  you 

liritedand 

to  arouse 

e  of coun- 

regiment 

n  mediate- 

osition  on 

nd  on  the 

18  had  ar- 

ad,  abqut 

n  the  4th 

I    body  to 

or  Platts- 

I.  Appling 

id  Creek, 

as  to  im- 

as  possi- 

within  a 

finding  it 

a  road  to 

,  in  which 

dvanced; 

clock,  at* 

ncreased 

small  de- 

>1,    about 

'St  fire,  a 

■d  fled  in 

illy  Stood 

)f  Major 

ainst  nve 


tirifies  their  number,  falling  back  gradually,  and  oc- 
cupying the  fences  on  each  side  of  the  road,  till 
they  arrived  within  a  mile  of  the  town,  when  they  , 
were  reinforced  by  two  pieces  of  artillery  unider 
Capt.  Leonard ;  and  our  troops  ocupying  a  strong 
position  behind  a  stone  wall,  for  some  time  stopped 
the  progress  of  the  enemy." 

At  this  point,  one  of  the  finest  specimens  of  disci- 
pHneever  exhibited,   was   shown   by   the    British 
troops  on  the  occasion  of  the  opening  Capt  Leon* 
ards  battery  upon  them.    The  company ,  to  which  1 
was  attached,  formed  a  part  of  the  left  flank  of  our 
I  little  army,  and  was  on  the  rise  of  ground   west  of 
the  road  leading  from  Mr.  Halsey's  corner  to  Isaac 
C.  Piatt's,  and  about .  ipjidway  between  the  artillery 
and  the  head  of  the  British  c61umn ;  and  the  whole 
scene  was  open   to  our  view.    Here,,  (atHal^ey'a 
corner,)  was  a  battery  of  two  field  pieces,  so  per- 
fectly masked  by  a  party  of  the  infantry,  that  tljo 
enemy  probably  was  not  aware  of  it,  until  it  opened 
upon  him.    There  a  dense  column  of  men,  with  a 
front  equal  to  the  width  of  the  road,  and  extending 
nearly  half  a  mile  in  length,  pressing  on  with  a  buoy- 
ancy and  determination  of  spirit,  betokening  an  ex- 
pectation that  they  would  be  permitted  to  walk  into 
our  works  without  much  opposition.    How  sad  the 
disappointment  to  the  victorious  veterans  of  so  mn; 
ny  bloody  fields  of  Europe !    So ,  perfect  was  the 
motion  of  the  troops  in  marching,  that  they  seemed 
a  great  mass  of  living  matter  moved  by  some  invi^^i- 
ble  machinery:    Yet  I  can  now  almost  fancy  vv^ 
could  hear  them  cracking   their   jokes,  and    each 
claiming  for  himself  the  honor  of  being  the  first  to 
make  a  lodgement  in  the  Yankee  forts;  when  sud- 
denly, with  the  niose  of  thunder,  the  sound  of  a  can- 
►n  came  booming  through  the  air.    It  sent  forth  a 


£. 


xi 


*■•, 


A    ,.■ 


I  ) 


'-y^mu:'^ 


n. 


•f 


round  shot  which  took  effect  near  the  centre  of  the 
froiit  platoon,  about  breast  high,  and  ploughed  its 
way  through,  sweeping  all  before  it,  the  whole  length 
,  of  tne  column ;  opening  a  space  apparently  several 
feet  wide,  which,  however,  was  immediately  closed 
as  if  by  magic ;  and  on  the  column  pressed  as  if  no- 
thinghad  happened:  A  second  shot  was  fired  with 
the.  like  effect,  and  similar  consequences;  but  when 
the  third  discharge  came,  with  a  shower  of  grape 
shot,  there  was  a  momentary  confusion.  Immeai- 
ately,  however,  the  charge  was  sounded  by  some 
dozen  British  bugles ;  which  through  the  clear  and 
bland  atmosphere  of  a  bright  September  morning* 
was  the  most  thrilling  and  spirit  stirring  sound  that 
could  greet  a  soldiers  ears.  In  an  instant  of  time, 
the  men  forming  the  advance  of  the  column  had 
thrown  their  knapsacks  on  either  side  the  road,  and 
bringing  their  pieces  to  the  charge,  advanced  in 
double qoicik time  upon  our  miniature  battery;  the 
g[un8  of  which,  in  retiring  said  *^good  bye^'  to  the 
advancing  foe,  by  spitting  fire  from  their  mouths, 
and  sending  their  compliments  in  the  shape  of 
grape  and  canister  shot. 

What  with  the  music  of  the  Kentish  bugles,  the 
l^oans  of  the  wounded  and  dying,  the  beauty,  the 
grandeur,  I  had  almost  said  sublimity  of  the  scene* 
our  whole  company  came  to  a  dead  halt;  and  there 
remained  as  if  spell-bound,  until  the  head  of  the  en- 
emy's coiunnn  was  considerably  in  advance  of  us; 
and  until  we  were  reminded  by  receiving  the  fire  of 
a  party  of  the  enemy's  flankers,  within  a  few  rods  of 
us,  that  they  would  be  glad  to  occupy  the  groimd  on 
which  we  stood — which  modest  request,  backed  by 
sUch  eolid  arguments,  we  could  not  withstand,  there- 
fore, yielding  the  point,  we  retired  afler  returning  the 
<;ompliment  received  from  them. 


i'.-.-jdiam't'imA'  ■■  ~v  ^' 


-#-Aiii^- 


i'  'I 


tFc  of  th^ 
iffhed  itn 
)Te  length 
y  several 
y  closed 
[  as  if  np- 
ired  with 
but  when 
)f  grape 
Immedi- 
by  some 
;Iear  and 
morning, 
lund  that 
of  time* 
umn  had 
oad,  and 
inced  in 
;ery;  the 
3"  to  the 
mouthSf 
shape  of 

^les,  the 
uty,  the 
e  scene, 
nd  there 
'  the  en- 
e  of  us; 
3  fire  of 
r  rods  of 
oimd  on 
eked  by 
I,  there- 
ling  the 


*^  Our  troops  being  at  length  compelled  to  retire*  , 
contested  every  inch  of  gfound,  until  they  reached 
the  south  bank  of     e  Saranac,  where  the  enemv 
attempted  to  purs'j;^^  them,  but  was  repulsed  wiith^ 
loss.  .5 

The  loss  of  the  British  in  this  skirmish,  was  Col^  ^ 
Wellington,  and  a  Lieut,   of  the    3d  Bufis  and  ttfb 
Lieutenants  of  the  d8th  killed ;  and  one  Captain  ^n^  . 
one  Lieutenant  of  the  58th  light  company  wounded^ 
tOjgether  with  about  100  privates  killed  and  wound- 
ed, while  that  on  our  part,  did  not  exceed  twenty^  ^^ 
five.    The  corps  of  Riflemen  under  Col.  Appling, ' 
and  detachment  under  Capt.  Sproul,   fell  back  from 
'their  position  at  Dead  Creek  in  time  to  join  the  mi- 
litia and  regulars  just  before  they  entered  the  village, 
and  fought  with  their  accustomed  bravery." 

"  The  British  got  possession  of  that  part  of  th* 
village  north  of  the  Saranac  about  1^,  o^clock,  but 
the  incessant  and  well  directed  fire  of  our  artillery  , 
and  musketry  from  the  forts  and  opposite  bankis^r 
compelled  them  to  retire  before  niffht  beyond  thct  | 
reach  of  our  guns."    The  bridge  in  the  village,  wad 
defended  during  this  day,  by  Capt.  Martin  L  Aikin's 
company  of  volunteers,  who  were  stationed  in  thjo  . 
saw-mill  on  the  south  bank  of  the  river  for  that  pufr 
pose.    [This  company  was  composed  of  young  men  , 
and  boys  of  this  village,  most  of  whom  were  not  sub- 
ject to  mihtary  duty,  who  volunteered  after  the  tho 
militia  had  gone  out  on  the  Chazy  road,  offered  theii:, 
services  to  Gen.  Macomb,  who  accepted  their  ofiec, 
armed  the  company  with  rifles,  and  ordered  them  to 
repair  to  the  Head  Quarters  of  Gen.<Mooers  and  re^ 
port  for  duty.]  '  ; 

"The  enemy  arrived  towards  night  with  hier 
heavy  artillery  and  baggage  on  the  lake  road,  and 
crossed  the  beach,  where  he  met  with  a  warm  re- 


Nl 


7  :f  I 


if 


,t 


lA 


-:'b>:^imra: 


14 


H? 


,1    «4'- 


#4 


„*'    * 


W|^ubn  from  our  row-gallics ;  and  it  is  believed^ 
BUnerdd  a  heavy  loss  in  killed  and  wounded.  On 
our  feide,  Lieut.  Duncan  of  the  Navy  lost  an  arm  by  a  ^ 
rocket,  and  three  or  four  men  were  killed  by  the  * 
enemy's  artillery.  The  enemy  encamped  on  the 
ridge  west  of  the  town,  his  right  near  the  river,  and 
occupying  an  extent  of  nearly  three  miles,  his  left 
resting  on  the  lake  about  a  mile  north  of  the  village. 
From  the  6th,  until  the  morning  of  the  1  Ith,  an  al- 
most continual  skirmishing  was  kept  up  between 
the  enemy's  pickets,  and  our  miUtia  and  volunteers 
sttitioned  on  the  river,  and  in  the  mean  time  both 
armies  were  busily  engaged — ours  in  strengthening 
the  works  of  the  forts,  and  that  of  the  entfOiy  in 
erecting  batteries,  collecting  ladders,  bringing  up 
his  heavy.ordnancc,  and  making  other  preparations 
for  attacking  the,  fofts." 

On  the  tnombg  of  the  1'th,  a  body  of  the  ene- 
my under  Cftpt.  Noadife,  attempted  to  cross  at  the 
upper  bridge  about  seven  miles  W6st  of  the  village, 
but  were  met  by  Capt.  Vaughn's  company  of  about 
25  men,  and  compelled  to  retire  with  the  loss  of  two 
killed,  and  several  wounded.  On  the  morning  of 
the  1 1th,  the  enemy's  fleet  came  round  the  Head 
with  a  light  breeze  from  the  north,  and  attacked 
ours  which  lay  at  anchor  in  Cumberland  Bay,  two 
miles  from  shore  east  of  the  fort." 

Time  would  fail  me,  and  your  patience  would  tire, 
were  I  to  attempt  even  if  I  were  competent,  a  mi- 
nut*^  description  of  this  most  interesting  scene. — 
Suffice  it  to  say,  **  the  action  was  long  and  bloody, 
but  decisive,  and  the  event  such  as  we  believe  it  al- 
ways will  be  (except  by  accident)  when  our  navy 
contends  with  anything  like  an  equal  force." 

I  will  mention  one  circumstance  for  the  purpose 
cf  showincr  the  frame  of  mind  in  which  the  bravo 


\ 


h 
a 


'rf7 


%.fs^.^ 


m' 


15 


i.  On' 
m  by  a 
by  the 
on  the 
Br,  and 
lis  lefl 
i^illage. 
,  an  aU 
etween 
[inteers 
5  both 
hening 
i^tfvy  in 
ring  up 
.rations 

ho  ene- 
j  at  the 
village, 
'  about 

of  two 
ning  of 

Head 
tacked 

ly,  two 

lid  tire, 
a  mi- 
tene. — 
)loody, 
|e  it  al- 
navy 

irpoKe 
bravo 


McDonough  entered  the  battle,  and  in  whom  be  put 
his  trust  for  success.  After  the  enemy's  fleet  hove 
in  sight,  the  men  of  his  ship  were  assembled  on  the 
quarter  deck,  when  he  kneeled  down,  and  in  humbk, 
and  fervent  prayer,  commended  himself,  his  men  and 
the  cause  in  which  they  were  engaged  to  the  God  of 
Battles,  and  arose  from  that  posture,  with  a  calm* 
ness  and  serenity  depicted  on  his  brow,  which  show- 
ed he  had  received  comfort  and  assurance  from 
above.  One  other  little  incident,  and  I  will  pro« 
ceed  with  my  subject— During  the  hottest  part  of 
the  battle,  the  hen-coop  was  shot  away  when  a  cock 
cscap^  and  flew  up  into  the  rigging,  flapped  hi» 
wings,  and  crowed  rno^t  manfully !  The  sailors  con* 
sidercd  this  as  a  sure  ome|>  of  success,  and  cheer* 
ingfrom  one  end  of  the  ship  to  the  other^  went  to 
their  work  of  dealing  death  to  the  enemy  with  re* 
doubled  exertion.  The  cock  remained  in  the  rig« 
ging  during  the  whole  of  the  engagement,  ever  and 
anon  cheering  the  men  on  to  greater  exertion  by  bii 
clear  shrill  voice.  . 

**The  enemy  commenced  a  simultaneous  bom- 
bardment of  our  works  from  seven  batteries,  from 
which  several  hundred  shell  and  rockets  were  dis- 
charged, which  did  us  very  little  injury ;  and  our  ar- 
tillery had  nearly  succeeded  in  silencing  them  all 
before  the  contest  on  the  lake  was  decided. 

The  enemy  attempted  at  the  same  time  to  throw 
his  main  body  in  the  rear  of  the  fort  by  crossilig 
the  river  three  miles  west  of  the  town,  near  the 
site  of  Pikers  cantonment.  He  succeeded  ui 
crossing  after  a  brave  resistance,  by  the  Essex 
militia,  and  a  few  of  the  Vermont  vohmteers,  in 
all, about  350,  stationed  at  that  place  who  reti- 
.  red  back  a  mile  and  a  half  fropi  the  river*  contm- 
ually  pouring  in  upon  them  an  incessant  fire  ftovi 


t 
f 


m 


•   # 


16 


i' 


5S- 


'lN»tikif<i  ^v^ry  tree;  until  Iiieut.  Suiriptef  "Broaght 
^  up  a  piece  of  artillery  to  their  support,  when  the 

-  enemy  commenced  a  precipitate  retreat/^  At  this 
.  time,  when  the  battle  commenced  on  the  lake  Capt. 

Aiken's  company  was  within  the  enemy's  lines,  for 
the  purpose  of  attacking  a  picket  guard,  having 
ibeen  almost  constantly  employed  since  the  morning 
df  the  7th  in  reconnoitering  the  enemy,  for  the  pur- 

•  |K>se  of  giving  information  to  the  General,  and  in 
narrassing  his  out  posts.  The  General  said  to 
Capt.  Aikin  when  giving  the  directions  for  this  ex- 

•  pedition,  (as  we  afterwards  learned,)  you  will  a/- 
^'4aek  Bind  take  the  picket  guard  at  Thorns;  iioWcver, 
'  dn  arrii^g  at  the  place  designated,  it  was  found  the 

-  tguiurd  had  had  been  ioitid  time  withdrawn.  While 
'^resting  his  companjr  near  this  place,  the  sound  of 
•^ 'heavy  ol^dtiance  reached  his  ears,  and  presuming 

ma  attack  upon  the  forts  had  commenced,  he  took 
imp  his  line  of  march  for  the  south  side  of  the  river ; 
isconcciomplish  which,  it  was  necessary  for  him  to 

cross  the  river,  some  distance  above  Pike's  conton- 
-46ent  Nb  fiodller  had  he  reached  the  south  bank, 
fithan  he  heard  the  mttling  of  small  arms  at  the  ford, 
'^here  the  enemy  was  attemptingto  cross,  and  im- 
;lliddiate]y  joined  his  bretfalr^ii  f]^  Essex  and  Ver- 
lljuontvand  retired  with  theiu'lMfor  the  enemy,  until- 

he  commenced  his  retreat. 

"^r^**?  The  Vermont  volunteers  #ho  had  hastened  to- 
^4lie'  scene  of  action  on  th^  fitst  alarm,  fell  upon  the 
^^INIemy's  left  flank,  and  succeeded  in  making  many 
^j^^Oliers,  including  three  officers. 
::'^«'^  Had  the  Britisn  Remained  on  the  south  side  of 
nthi0  trver  30  minutes  longer,  he  must  have  lost  near- 
'tpthe  whole  detachment  that  crossed..  Our  loss  in 
^mi^itffiii^  was  fife  killed  and'eight  or  ten  wounded. 


1 


•  \ 


•f 


17 


'  brought 
\?hen  the 
'  At  this 
ake  Capt. 

lines,  tor 
d,  having 
3  morning 
r  the  pur- 
al,  and  in 
al  said  to 
)r  this  ex- 
D  will  at' 
hoWever^ 
found  the 
.     While 

sound  of 
^resuming 
,  he  took 
the  river ; 
ir  him  to 
s  conton- 
th  bankf 

the  ford, 

and  im- 

and  Vcr- 

imy,  imtiF' 

stened  to> 
upon  the 
ig  many 

side  of 

lost  near- 

r  loss  in 

ounded. 


^4mm0diately  on  asceirtaining  the  loss  of  the  fleet. 
Sir  George    Provost   ordered    preparations    to  be 
made  for  the  retreat  of  the    army^  and    set  off  him- 
self, with  a  small  est^ort  for  Canada,  a  little  afler- 
noon.    The  main  body  of  the  enemy,  with  the  ar- 
I   tillery  and  baggage,  were  taken  off  in  the  afternoon 
I    and   the    rear    guard  consisting  of  the  light  Brig- 
\   ade,    started    at    day    break    and    made    preci- 
^    pitate  retreat ;  leaving  their  wounded  and  a  large 
quantity  of  provisions,  fixed  amunition,  shot,  shells, 
and  other  public  stores,  in  the  different  places  of 
%    deposite  about    their  camp.    They  were   pursued 
i!    eomp  distance  by  our  troops,  and  many  prisoners 
I    taken ;  but  owing  to  the  very  heavy  and  mcessant 
rain,   we  were    compelled  to   return.    The  enemy 
lost  upon  land  more  than  1000  men,  in  killed,  woun^ 
ded,  prisoners,  and  deserters,  while  our  aggregate 
Joss  did  not  exceed  onjB  hundred  and  fifty." 

Gen.  Mooers  took  the  field  immediately  on  the 
appearance  of  the  militia,  in  pursuance  of  his  or-,, 
der,  and  was  constantly  and  actively  engaged,  until 
after  the  retreat  of  the  enemy  from  the  place.  Ai| 
:i  arrangement  was  entered  into  between  himself  and 
jGren.  Macomb,  ttjiat  he  (Gen.  Mapomb)  should  re- 
tain the  command  of  the  regular  troops,  and  the 
works,  while  Gen.  Mooers  (who  by  his  rank  was 
entitled  to  the  <command  of  the  whole  force  and  de- 
fence of  the  place)  should  have  the  command  and 
jdicectian  of  the  militia  and  volunteers ;  He  accor- 
dingly soon  after  being  driven  to  the  south  bank  of 
the  Saranac,  established  his  Head  Quarters  at  Sal- 
mon River  village,  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  the 
militia  and  volunteers  as  they  came  in  from  the  east 
and  south,  and  also  with  a  view  of  being  in  a  situa- 
tion to  fall  upon  the  rear  of  the  enemy  in  case  he 
should,  as  was  «)ost  probable,  attack  the  forts  on 


M 


,??4| 


i 


/ 


N  . 


r**5' 


t 


»• 


18 


ins 
of 

I 


iep- 


and 


> 


the  south  aide.    Froiin  this  plaee,  the  Ibllowing  gen- 
eral Order  was    pubtished  on    the  eight 
temhep  : 

Head  QuARtiRf,  Salmon  River, 
Sept.  8,  1814. 

The  General  ia  not  inscnsibto  to  the  merits 
patriotism  of  those,  who,  upon  the  approach  of  hos- 
tile forces  upon  this  frontier,  have  gallantly  fiown  to 
the  defence  of  their  country,  and  who  under  his 
command,  stili  continue  steadfastly  to  oppose  the 
progress  of  the  enemy.  The  General  regrets  that 
there  are  some,  who,  lost  to  patriotism  and  to  hopor 
after  coming  ibrward  in  obedience  to  his  call,  fled 
at  the  first  approach  of  the  enemy,  and  afterwards 
basely  disbanded  themselves,  and  returned  to  their 
homes  4  thereby  disgracing  themselves,  and  fur^ 
Dishing  to  their  fellow  soldiers  an  example  of  all 
that  brave  mien  detest  and  abhor.  The  General  i» 
determined  to  haveafl  deserters  punii^ed  in  the 
^  mwl  exemplary  manner,  and  all  officers  and  others 
are  dire«te4  to  bring  back  such  as  are  attempting 
to  escape. 

ThoHO  brave  men  of  the  militia  and  volunteer 
corps,  wIk)  manfiiUy  kept  their  posts,  and  fought 
the  enemy  on  their  retreat,  before  a  far  superior 
force^  iipr  the  distance  of  nearly  seven  miles,  de- 
swerves  the  General's  warmest  thanks,  and  the  love 
and  gratitude  of  their  country. 

The  oool,  intrepid,  and  admirable  skiH  and  good 
order,  displayed  by  the  small  detachment  of  less 
than  liOO,  regulars  under  that  excellent  officer  Maj« 
VVcK^  was  lughly  honorable  to  themselves,  and  fur- 
nishes an  example  worthy  of  our  future  imitation. 

The  General  cannot  avoid  noticing,  that  the  de- 
termined resistance  by  Capt.  Vaughan  and  his  small 
band  at  the  upper  bridge,  which  obliged  a  much  8u- 


ng  ^en- 
of  Sep- 

fits  and 
I  of  hos- 
flown  ta 
inder  hia 
pose  the 
rets  that 
to  hopor 
call,  fled 
ter  wards 
to  their 
and  fur^ 
le  of  all 
reneral  i» 
id  in  \he 
^d  others 
tempting 

irolnnteer 
d  fought 
superior 
lies,  de** 
the  love 

ind  good 
of  less 
[cer  Maj. 

and  fur- 

tation. 
It  the  dc- 
Ihis  small 

lUCh  FW' 


A9 

pcrior  foi  ct  of  the  enemy  to  retire  with  lossfwas 
both  honorable  to  himself  and  the  men  under  his 
command.  Captain  Aikin^s  company  of  Riflemen, 
and  others  of  the  Toluntbcrs,  have  displayed  thro*- 
otit,  a  degree  of  gallantry  in  opposing  the  enemy, 
and  of  enterprise  and  boldness,  in  reconnottcring 
him  under  all  circnitisti^nc^B,  highly  gratifying  to 
the  General,  and  which  merits  his  warmest  thanks. 
Let  every  man  strive  to  do  his  duty  at  this  crsis  as 
it  will  be  much  easier  to  retaiil  our  present  position 
than  to  regain  it  after  it  is  loist. 
By  order  Maj,  Gm.  Mooers^ 

R.  H.  WALWORTH,  Jid  D'Camp. 
Many  interostin^  events  transpired,  many  deeds 
of  bravery  and  daring  were  performed,  and  many 
hair  breadth  escapes  occnrrcd,  during  the  seige,  but 
more  particularly  on  the  1 1th.  Some  of  which  I  will 
endeavor  to  lay  before  you* 

Capt.  M c  Glassin  of  the  15th  regiment,  With  SO 
men,  crossed  the  river  at  midnight,  and  drove  off 
a  working  party  of  150  men,  and  defeated  a  cover- 
ing party  of  the  same  number,  who  were  construct- 
ing a  battery  on  the  right  of  the  enemy's  line  near 
the  river,  within  500  yards  of  Fort  Brown,  killing 
one  oflicer  and  six  men  in  the  charge,  and  wound- 
ing many.  After  destroying  the  works  he  retired  in 
good  order  to  the  fort  without  the  loss  of  a  single 
man. 

Some  time  during  the  seige,  Mr.  Abel  Chambcrlin 
and  another  individual,  whose  name  has  escape  1 
me,  procured  leave  of  absence  from  their  Captain 
for  the  purpose  of  visiting  their  families,  some  dis- 
tance within  the  British  lines.  They  divested  them- 
selves of  all  the  habiliments  of  a  soldier,  and  pursu- 
ing their  way,  arrived  in  the  neighborhood  of  their 
jiomes  about  dark,  when  within  a  short  distance  of 


20 


(phamberlin*s  hoiise,  they  discovered  a  Bhtish  pick-i 
i^t  guard,  which  they  avoided,  and  on  entering  the 
house,  found  the  ollicer  of  the  guard  had  taken  up 
his  quarters  there,  and  was  then  in  the  next  room, 
^rhey  were  apprehensive  some  one  of  the  family 
might  inadvertantly  expose  them  by  askiiig  questions 
^c,  and  therefbre  determined  to  make  the  officer  a 
prisoner,  and  take  him  to  the  American  camp,  after 
taking  a  survey  of  thb  place,  Chamberlin  and  his 
compi^nion  provided  themselves  v^ith  such  weapons 
as  were  most  ready.  Onie  had  a  large  butcher  knifo 
the  other  a  stout  cudgel ;  they  entered  the  room 
and  informed  the  officer  he  was  a  prisoner,  and  so 
long  as  he  wn 9  obedient  to  tjieir  requirements,  he 
should  be  kindly  treated ;  but  the  fi^st  attempt  to 
escape,  or  the  first  sound  of  his  voice,  should  be  the 
signal  for  his iiittant  death;  ahd  suited  the  action 
to  the  word  by  a  flourish  of  the  butcher  knife :  The 
geolleipaQ  coAchided  to  accept  their  term^,  and 
lifter  changing  his  dress,  marched  With  them  to  the 
American  camp,  where  he  was  received  and  treated 
as  a  gentleman,  and  prisoner  of  war. 

Three  men  of  Aikin's  company  volunteered  one 
day,  to  cross  the  river  for  the  purpose  of  giving  the 
onmpanv  a.sqpply  of  liquor.  They  .  crossed  on  to 
Mr.  Griffin's  far^,  where  thoy  knew  his  goods  were 
deposited  when  rtjmoved  from  the  village.  Two  of 
tht'in  entered  the  building,  which  was  immediately 
uridor  a  steep  and  high  hill,  and  left  the  other  out- 
side, to  give  notice  if  any  cause  of  alarm  should 
arise.  I'he  two  men  had  scarcely  entered  the  buil- 
(imtr  when  the  third  discovered  a  British  sentinel 
nalkinji  his  "wpary  round"  on  the  top  of  the  hill,  the 
riltiim  was  oiven  by  both  sentinels  at  the  same  mo- 
mem — the  British  ^juard  turned  out  and  fired  upon 
tlicm,  while  our  buvs  were  makin'^  the  best  of  thcii 


I 


P. 


m 


SI 


ish  pick-! 
;,ring  the 
taken  up 
xt  room. 
ie  family 
:]uestions 
officer  a 
np,  after 
[  and  his 
weapons 
her  knifo 
le   room 
r,  and  so 
nents,  he 
ttempt  to 
iild  be  the 
he  action 
ife:   The 
erm?,  and 
em  to  the 
id  treated 

eered  one 
giving  the 
sed  on  to 
)ods  were 
Two  of 
mediately 
other  out- 

m  should 

the  buil- 

sentinel 

ic  hill,  the 

amc  nio- 
ircd  upon 

t  of  thcii 


way  "across  the  river,  bringing  with  them  howevtfir) 
the  canteens,  which  they  had  filled  with  cherry 
rum.  On  reaching  the  south  bank,  thev  retum«d 
the  fire  of  the  enemy;  gave  them  three  cnaers,  and 
joined  their  company;  m* 

The  names  or  these  individuals,  are  Frederick 
P.  Allen,  Melanctbn  W.  Travis,  and  John  Will-* 


lams. 


On  the  1  Ith,  Major  Joseph  Skinner,  of  the  Clinton 
militia,  was  taken  prisoner  by  the  enemy,  and  reta- 
ken by  his  friends  under  the  following  circum- 
stances t  ^ 

He  was  returning  from  the  Fort,  whete  he  kad 
been  in  the  discharge  of  some  duty,  to  Salmoa  Ri- 
ver, while  the  enemy  were  driving  us  towards  the 
same  place  from  Pike^ft  oantonement.  A  party  of 
the  enemy  had  gained  the  m^in  Salmon  river  road 
unobserved  by  him,  end  the  first  intimation  he  had 
of  being  ih  the  rear  of  the  enemy^  he  was  surrounded 
by.  this  party;  taken  forcibly  from  his  horse,  hie 
sword  and  money  taken  from  him  and  given  to  one 
of  the  party,  who  mounted  the  horse,  and  rode  off 
at  full  speed.  The  Major  protested  against  their 
robbing  him  of  his  money,  and  insisted  as  he  was  a 
prisoner  of  war,  he  was  entitled  to  be  treated  as 
such;  the  only  satisfaction  he  received  however, 
was  a  blow  from  the  butt  end  of  a  mufket,  which 
laid  him  prostrate.  On  recovering  from  the  effects 
of  this  blow,  he  was  made  to  march  with  great 
speed  towards  the  river.  The  party  was  soon  dis- 
covered, and  pursued,  by  a  party  of  the  Essex  mili- 
tia, under  Capt.  Abraham  Aiken ;  and  a  constant 
tire  kept  up  upon  it,  until  it  reached  the  river;  when 
Capt*  Aikin  discovered  that  the  individual  in  blue 
clothing  whom  he  had  supposed  was  a  wounded 
British  officer,  was  no  other  than  bis  old  acquaint- 


* 


22 


anco  Maj.  Skinner,  who*  by  this  time,  was  halfway 
ncrots  thn  river,  with  a  British  soldier  holding  on  to 
each  aril) :  Cnpt.  Aiken,  and  his  orderly  sergeant 
John  GnLvler,  brought  their  pieces  to  the  face,  and 
fired — hII  three  fell,  and  were  carried  down  tho 
atroam  together  i  very  soon  however,  Maj.  Skinner 
disengaged  himself  from  his  dead  etiemies,  and 
came  to  land  on  the  American  side,  where  he  was 
greeted  with  cheers  by  his  friends ;  and  they  in  turn 
iroeeived  his  most  cordial  and  hearty  thanks,  for 
having  thus  timely,  and  providentially  saved  him 
from  the  horrors  of  a  Montreal  or  Quebec  prison. 
Seyerai  of  tho  party  surrendered  themselves  prison- 
ers of  iirar,  an4  werie  brought  into  the  fort  by  Capt. 
Aikin, 

It  is  proper  to  remark,  that  thid  party  of  the  enc-* 
my,  was  comniaaded  by  a  sergeant,  and  that  Major 
{Bkitinor  would,  probably  have  received  different 
IrcatniaQt  from  a  comn|is9ioi)e(}  qOicer  of  the  British 
army. 

Qi|  the  sante  day,  Hazen  Mqoors,  with  two  oth- 
ers, fell  in  with,  and  captured  a  party  of  Qve  of  tho 
enemy,  and  bfOMght  then|,  togetlier  WUI^  their  arms 
to  the  fort. 

On  theldtl)  Septett|ber,Gen.  Mooefs  disbanded 
the  Militia  and  yoluntflers,  and  pubUsh^c^  th^  followr. 
iiig  General  OrdejT : 

Hbao  Quarters  Plattsburqh,  ) 
September  13th,  1814         S 
GENERAL  QRDERS. 

Tho  sudden,  unexpected  and  dastardly  retreat 
of  the  enemy,  renders  it  uiinecessary  that  those  pat- 
riotic militia  and  volunteers,  who  hayo  so  gallantly 
defended  their  country  from  invasioA,  should  longer 
be  detained  from  their  homes.  The  General  there- 
fore makes  known  to  the  militi^  under  his  con)man<^ 


anc 
the 
the 
aet\ 
whc 
thei 
mec 

IK>t 

noai 
enal 
his  < 
teer 
may 
this 
Gent 
the  f 
Gond 
all  o< 
cong 
as  wi 
fiturc 
this  A 
By 


camp 
ktled  t< 


alfway 
gon  to 
!>rgeBnt 
ce,  and 
\vrn  tho 
Skinner 
160^  and 
he  watt 
r  in  turn 
jiks,  fof 
3d  him 
;  prison* 
I  prifion- 
}j  Capt. 

the  enco 
eit  Major 
different 
e  Britisl^ 

two  oth- 
of  tho 
eir  arms 

isbandcd 
b  followr. 


s 


retreat 
hose  pat- 
Igallantly 
Id  longer 

al  thcre- 
lon^mand^ 


23  '■     ^  . 

and  thtt  vohmteers  of  the  Ftatt  of  Vermont*  that 
they  may  return  to  their  homes,  with  the  tkanki  of 
their  General,  and  the  reflection  tiiat  they  have  de» 
served  the  gratitude  of  their  country.  Thoee'  few 
who  basely  deserted  their  st^^ndard,  and  roturoed  to 
their  homes  without  leave  in  time  of  danger,  will 
meet  their  reward,  by  being  despised  as  cowards, 
not  deserving  to  be  freemen.  Had  the  enemy  re- 
mained a  day  or  two  longer,  we  should  have  been 
enabled  to  have  carried  trouble  and  conftiflion  into 
his  camp.  The  spirit  and  emulation  of  the  volun- 
teers, show  to  their  country,  and  to  the  enemy  what 
may  be  expected  in  case  of  any  future  invasion  of 
this  frontier.  The  General  tenders  his  thanks  to 
General  Strong,  and  the  officers  and  volunteers  of 
the  state  of  Vermont  in  .general,  for  their  orderly 
conduct,  and  their  promptness  to  meet  the  enemy  qq 
all  occasions,  and  on  the  shortest  notioe:  Ami  he 
congratulates  all  who  have  been  under  his  command 
as  well  as  his  country,  on  the  total  defeat,  discom-^ 
fiture  and  disgrace  of  the  enemy  in  his  attack  on 
this  place,  both  by  water  and  by  land. 

By  order  Maj.  Gen.  Mooers, 

R.  H.  WALWORTH,  Jid  B0  Camp, 

I  have  before  remarked,  that  the  whole  Amenean 
foree  on  land,  on  the  morning  of  the  %tk  was  only 
1500- effective  men  of  the  regular  troops,  und  about 
900  militia.  The  number  of  militia  and  volunteersy 
was  however,  constantly  increasing  from  this  tm^ 
up  to  the  1  Ith,  when  perhaps  they  might  have  num- 
bered between  two  and  three  thousand,  while  the 
;  British  army  was  AiU  fourteen  thousand  strongl)  99 
will  appear  from  the  following  detailed  account  of 
|the  several  regiments  and  corps,  of  whieh  it  wa9 
camposcd;  collected  at  the  lime  from  source^  enti- 
i  tied  to  full  credit.  .  .     .- 


S, 


.    ) 


'\ 


KMtMsaar-wt.. 


If 


lAST  OF  REGIMENTS  Am  CORPS. 
4  Trpops  19th  light  dragoons  300 

4  companies  royal  aittjH^iiry  400 

1  bri'gadQ  rocketteers  %5t 

1  brigade  royal  sappers  and  miners  75 

l:8t  Brigade  27th  Regiment  J  si;  l>atta|]ipn  dOO 
'.  I  4$th  regiment  900     . 

v..  5th  1000     , 

3d  orbufft  900     3700 

2d  Brigade  88th  1000 
.                    39th                  ■i^.H^i^m'     900 
•J,,     .             7t)th  Sdbattallion  900 

27th  3d  battalliou  800     360Q 

3d  Brigade    8th  or  Kjngs  ^4  battailion    900    ,  ^.,> 

13th  600 

>  49  600 

6$b  1000     31 OQ 

Light  Brigade  Murpns  Regt.  (Swiss)  J  200 
Canadian  Chasseurs  900 

Voltigeurs  550 

Frpntier  Light  Infantry      150     280Q 

■ 

14000 
As  a  matter  pf  referefice  and  of  interest  to  some  I 
subjoin  the  following  Hst  of  the  principal  officers  of 
the  British  army  upder  the  command  of.  Lieut  Gen. 
Sir  George  ProFost,  at  the  siege  of  Plattsburgh. 
Lt.  Gen.  Sir  George  Provost,  Commander  in  Chief, 
Maj.  Gen.  DeRottenburg,  Second  in  Command. 
Maj.  Gen.  Robertson  Commanding  first  Brigade. 
Maj.  Gen.  Powers,  Commanding  second  Brigade. 
Maj.  Gen.  Brisbane,  Commanding  third  Brigade. 
Maj.  Gen.  Baynes,  Adjutant  General. 
Sir  Sidnev  Beckwith,  Quarter  Master  General. 
Col.  Hughs,  Chief  Engineer. 
Maj.  Sinclair,  Commanding  oflicer  of  Artillery. 


# 


^PS. 


300 

400 

25 

75 


00 
00 
00 
00 
00 

po 

00 
00 
00 
00 
00 
00 
100 
100 
150 
50 


3700 


360Q 
310Q 


i 


280Q 


14000  I 
to  some  I    ^ 

officers  of  ; 
ieut  Gen« 

urgh. 

r  in  Chief, 

nand. 

igade. 

rigade. 

rigade. 

eral. 

llcry. 


25 

LieuteBj^nt  Col.  Trya)l,  Assistant  Adjutant  GcneraJ. 
Capt.  B^rke,  Deputy  Assistant  AdRitant  General. 
Col.  Murray^  Assistant  Quarter  Master  General.     ^ 
Maj.  Montgon^erv  do        do  dd''      do 

Capt.  Davis,  Dept.  Asst.  Quarter    Master  General. 

1  have  how  Sir,  hastily,  and  with  mui^h 'br<evitv^ 
run  through  the  Battle  of  Plattsburgh.  I  iii|  fully 
aware  that  the  sketch  I  have  drawn,  is  a  vefy^^hii- 
perfect  one.  Many  interesting  circumstances  b^r 
curred  during  the  seige,  which  should  live  on  th^ 
historic  page,  but  the  time  I  have  been  able  to  de- 
vote to  the  discharge  of  this  duty,  has  been  barely 
sufficient  to  collect  and  arrange  the  facts  now  laid 
before  you.  I  have  purposely  omitted  any  attempt 
at  a  description  of  the  Naval  engagement  on  the 
lake,  which  shed  so  bright  a  lustre  upon  our  Navy, 
and  its  heroes ;  as  that  of  itself,  would  be  sufficient 
to  occupy  another  hour  of  your  tinie. 

The  immediate  cause  of  this  battle  wasy  most 
onquestionably,the  withdrawal  of  Izard's  army  frokn 
this  frontier;  and  a  desire  on  the  part  of  the  enemy, 
to  penetrate  our  country  as  far  as  Crown  Point,  and 
Ticonderoga,  and  there  entrench  himself  iii  those 
Strong  holds,  until  by  an  attack  dn  the  city  of  New- 
York,  he  could  form  a  junction  between  his  two  ar- 
mies through  the  Hudson,  and  tUus  sever  the  com- 
munication between  the  States,  tn  this  intention, 
however,  thanks  to  an  overrulin)^  Providence,  and 
the  brave  men  who  periled  fheir  lives  in  the  defence 
of  our  country,  he  was  disappointed. 

In  looking  for,  and  tracing  the  effects  of  this  bat- 
tle, we  may  easily  loose  ourselves  in  the  field  of 
speculation,  but  of  this,  one  thing  we  are  certain, 
the  Battle  of  Plattsburgh  gave  us  a  consequence  as 
a  nation,  among  the  powers  of  Europe,  which  we 
did  not  before  possess,  and  had  its  full  share  of  in- 


>? 


■^y 


it 


flucnrfj  in  hriugiBg  dbotlt  the  TrtTsAy  of  Pfeftid  bb- 
tween  the  two  Governments,  which  was  signed  at 
Ghent,  in  [)#;cwnaber  following. 
•  It  was  cunsidepcd  by  our  own  country  and  govern- 
ment, an  eveni  of  the  greatest  importance,  as  is 
manifest  from  the  resolutions  passed  by^our  Nation- 
al and  State  Legislatures,  expressive  of  their  feel- 
ings on  the  subject.  For  the  purpose  of  showing 
the  liorht  in  which  this  event  was  viewed  by  the  state 
and  Nation,  I  crave  your  indulgence,  while  I  present' 
you  with  copies, of  those  resolutions.    , 

"  Resolved  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Represen- 
tatives of  the  United  States  of  America,  in  Con- 
gress assemblecr:  That  the  thapks  of  Congress  be, 
and  they  arc  hereby  presented  to  Brigadier  General 
Macomb,  and  t,hrough  him,- to  the  officers  and  men 
under  his  comtnand,  for  their  gallantry  *and  good 
conduct,  in  defeating  the  enemy  at  Plattsburgh  on 
the  Mth  September,  repelling  with  l.OOO  men,  aided 
by  a  body  of  militia  and  volunteers  from  New  York 
iuid  Vermont,  a  British  veteran  army,  greatly  supe- 
rior in  number.  And  that  the  President  of  the  tJni- 
ted  Stat*^*?,  be  requested  to  cau.se  a  gold  medal  to 
be  Ptrurk,  embleriiatical  of  this  triumph,and  presen- 
ted to  Brigadier  Gen.  Macomb." 
*mu  RfFolvcd,  by  the  People  of  the  State  of  New- 
York,  represenicd  in  St^nate  and  Assembly.*  That 
Brifi.  Geu.  Macomb  of  the  army  of  th«  United 
r'trjc,  and  Maj.Gten.  Mooers  of  the  miHtia  of  this 
."^f i»ti\  aiul  Mnj.  Gen.  Strong  of  the  Vermont  vohm- 
torr?.  f  r  their  conduct  nt  the  Battle  of  Plattsburgh, 
anMnnd.'.i  to  tlic  j^ratitudo  of  their  country,  and 
tho  f  iCgisliit'^ro  prosont  to  them  respectively -a 
Kword/' 

lleolvod.    'Vh:\\    r'o.ninrxlore    Mc DbWugh,  in 
miiiiit  .linin:^  !:iv:  ij-.,n>r  of   tliL'    American    flng,  on 


Ll 

tl( 


*    tl 

i 


I 


I 

-■-1 


n 


€ 


Peace  be- 
signed  at 

nd  govern- 
ance, 89  is 
lurNation- 
their  feel- 
f  showing 
>y  the  Stat? 
el  present' 

Represen- 
i,  in  Con- 
ingress  be, 
er  General 
s  and  men 
*and  good 
tsburgh  on 
r>en,  aided 
New  York 
?atlystipe- 
r  the  tJni- 
medal  to 
d  prcsen- 

6f  Nevv- 
j:  That 
e  United 
ia  of  this 
3nt  vohm- 
ittsburgh, 

ntry,  and 
^ctivcIy  « 

ough,  in 
flng,  on 


Lake  ChainAlain  against  the  superior  force  of  hostile 
llect,  iS'Cntitled  tothe  gratitude  of  his  country,  and 
the  legisktuf a  present  h^n  with  a  sword,  and  one 
thousand  aqrea  of  Itind.^V 

In  pursuance  of  one  of  the  foregoing  resolutions, 
His 'Excellently  Gov.  Tompkins,  presented  to  GtMi. 
Mooers,  in  the  capitoi,  in  the  city  of  Albany,  tlie 
sword  voted  to  him  by  the  $tatc,  at  which  time  His 
Excellency  made  the  following  address  to  the  audi- 
ence, assembled  to  witness  the  interesting  cure- 
wiony:  ' 

Fellow  Citizens^— The  Senate  and  Assembly  of 
this  State  have  directed  me  to  communicate  their 
approi;>^tion  of  the  conduct  and  services  of  officers, 
who^dis^inguished  themselves  in  the  late  war ;  and 
to  present  t9  then),mern6rials  of  public  approbation 
and  gratitude.  I  avafl  ?i)yself  of  U^is  occasion  to 
discharge  ip  part,  the  trust  your  rcprcsensatives 
have  confided  to  me. 

In  entering  upon  the  performance  of  this  interest- 
ing duty,  the  occasion  impressively  requires  a  fer- 
vent acknowledgement  of  gratitude  to  the  Great 
Arbiter  of  nations  for  having  inspired  «o  many  jpat- 
riots  and  heroes,  to  devote  theii  services,  and  tlieir 
lives  to  the  cause  pf  freedom,  and  for  having  crown- 
ed our  efforts  in  two  successive  struggles  for  inde- 
pendence, with  signal  success. 

And  addressed  Gen.  Mooers  as  follows :  SiR—^Thc 
SenatQ  and  Assembly  of  this  state,  penetrated  with  a  hif;h 
sense  of  your  services  thro'  the  couise  of  the  late  war  have 
requested  rae  to  present  to  you  a  sword.  Although  your 
revolutionary  sacrifices  and  merits  are  preserved  in  the  re- 
eollections  of  your  countrymen,  yet  the  more  immediate  in* 
ducement  to  this  distinguishing  mark  of  public  approhation, 
was  your  eminently  brave  conduct  at  Plattsburgh,  in  th« 
campaign  of  1814.  One  prominent  n'-\ject  of  the  enemy  in 
th^l  campaign,  was  to  pem^liate  \'  ith  his  northern  army,  the 


I 


I 


.f- 


I 


*,» 


^8 


1i'at«rfi  of  Lake  Chtmpliiin,  arid  by  t  tinitiltaneoiis  attack  o^ 
th<>  i'iijr  of  New  York*  foria  •  JoniBlion  through 'tiie  Hudspn^ 
.  iNid'tihu,s  sevei  the  comniiiiiicatioii  Between  the  States.  9it- 
uAli^d  lis  we  lihen  were,  no  event  would  hive  beeii  4^  fatal 
fo  the  union  nnd  independence  of  Che  cmiAtry,  as  tQccesa 
iti  tud  enterprise.  When  we  redeet,  with' what  ^nfideoee 
hit  northern  arinj  advanced,  and  on  the  vaat  aupeiiorkj'of 
his  land  and  naval  forces,  we  are  astonished,  that,  he  ffM§ 
n  >t  crowuet)  with  an  easy  and  immediate  victory.  A  severe 
Kilt  friuniphant' contest,  terminated  in  the  eonauest  of  his 
nliole  fleet.  If  is  land  troops,  were  also  diiven  by  a  smalt 
.  t'orfis  of  reeuiiirs,  and  an  inconsiderable  body  oi  Ne<V>Y6rk 
militia^  and  Verrodnt  Volui^teers,'  to  a  precipitate  retreat. 
The  deeds  of  Commodore  Mc  Donough  and  his  galtaht 
eoierades;  have  c/ovt^necj  them  with  imperishable  renown, 
Miicf  the  conduct  of  our  jand  ibrces,  both  in  resist  102 'the 
a.onNultsof  the  enemy,  and  in  annoying  him  in  his  nigh(, 
reflected  (he '  highpst  honor  on  the  officers  and  soldiers. 
The  irieslimahlie  advantages  to  this  state,  and  to  the  na- 
tion, of  that  glorimis  vlcitory,  are  duty  estimated,  and  the 
names  of  tho^e  commanders  who  co-o|idrated  in  achieving 
it, 'will  live  long  in  the  recollection  of  a  magnanimous  and 
grateful  penple^ — Accept  Sir,  this  trophy,  awarded  by  your 
tf  Mow  cirizeris,  as  An  acknowledgement  of  the  meritorious 
and  disiiof^uished  part  you  took  on  that  occasion,  and  with 
the  sword,  r«ceive  ah  assurance  of  my  most   respectful  re"^ 

"giud.'         '        '■    •  "    =' •    "'^    '-'      •   ••      •■ 

To  whirh  Gen.  Mooers  replied  as  follows :  Sir — I  am 
deeply  iii  pressed  oh'  this  oc(:asidri,  ahd '  ivish  hot  too  did'  • 
giiite  ni}  eiisaiions  of  gratitude  to  the'  constituted  authorj- 
r  es  of  this:  State,  for  fhe  hbndr  they  have'  conferred  upon 
iiK*',  and  sensibly  feel  my  Inability  to  express  to  your  E:|- 
4'<;tiency  s^uitable  acknowledgements.'  |n  early  youth  I  en< 
ieied  into  the  revolutionary  war^  at  the  close  of  which  I 
h'liied  10  fhe  banks  of  the  Qhainplain,  where  the  achieve- 
luerit*  *u  \ihicU  your  Excellency  refers  tuuk  place.  |  have 
passed  I hruug,h  dtflierent  grades  of  office  in  the  militia,  to 
ilie'  'luoK  I  now  hold.  The  duties  enjoined  on  me  by  law^ 
»'(J  I hr  n>idi>is  of  } our  Excellency,  the  rights  and  libef* 
li  painty  couniry,  I'^nspired  together  (o  rouse  me  fnto 
ti,Kj,t  ili.tn  Loiiiinou  eiier<;y  on  the  occasions  to  which  your 


m 


to 


# 


*y        »1» 


i: 


s  AUiek  o^ 
le  Hudson, 
StpAes.  9it- 
BCiii  9p  (aUl 
,  as  sQCttess 
;  ^nfideope 
peiioriCj'of 
bit  he  «rs|S 
'.  A  sevtr* 
luestof  his 
I  bj  a  smalt 
NeW-York 
ite  retraat. 
his  galtaiit 
>le  renovo, 

98l8tmE'th<5 

D  his  nigbi, 
lid  soldiers. 

to  the  na- 
ed,  and  the 
n  achieviof; 
inimous  and 
led  bjr  your 
meritorious 
and  with 

oectful  re"^ 


3t 


Sir — I  am 
too  di^' 
ed  authorj- 
erred  upon 

your  E^- 
outh  I  en- 
of  which  I 
le  achieve- 
e.     I  have 

militia,  to 
ne  by  Uw^ 
nnd  liber- 
me  into 

hich  your 


I; 


^1^' 


"29 


%.    H^ 


e 


£icel|eney>ba8  partioularly  referred.  I  called  my  dtirisiot 
yito  service,  and  co-operaled  with  the  regular  troops. to 
repel  the  iOvading  Cue.  That  my  conduct,  aid  thatlj^:^ng^ 
companions  in  arms  should  be  so  favorably  noticed  byjiiliir 
£xeellency,and  tbe  Hon.the  Senate  aod  Assembly^i^iai  la 
iinanimity  peculiarly  gratifyiiig,  excites  a  sensibitlfy  thlit'  I 
have  no  words  to  expreis. 

'  f  accept  this  token  of  respect  Sir,  and  thej^r^lifying^^eX'i 
pressions  of  approbation,  witb  which  your  ExceUeney  has 
accompanied  the  same,  with  unfeigned  thanks,  as  wdl 
to  thA  Honorable  the  Legislature,  for  the  partial  notice  of 
my  humble  endeavors,  as  to  yOur  Excellency  for  the  man- 
ner of  cbmmonieating  it,  and  for  the  continued  eonfidenee 
you  Sir.  reposed 'in  me.  And  may  the  l^onor  be  ascribed 
to  that  invisible  being  that  governs  the  ways  of  men  aod  ef 
nations.     '    *        ' 

Your  Excellency s  eonatan^  parental  attention  to  the  means 
of  securing;  bur  exposed  frontier,  and  your  publie  and  die* 
tinguished  services  have  not  only  entitled  you  Sir,  to  mine, 
{but  to  the  applause  and  gratitude  of  the  whole  Country. ; 

In  conclusion — I  trust,  I  may  be  permitted  to  read' the 
foliowing  resolution  of  Congress,  and  the  subsequisnt  pro* 
eeedings  under  it,  if  ithout  subjecti'og  niyseif  to  the  oharg« 
of  vanity  or  egotism. 

Rksolyed,  Qy  ^h^  Senate  and  IfQUseo(  Representatives 
of  the  United  States  of  America,  in  Cong^'ess  assembled,-^' 
That  the  president  of  the  United  Statas  be,  and  he  is  heiPe- 
by  authorized,  to  cause  to  be  delivered  to  Martin  I.  Aiken, 
Azariah  C.  Flaggj  Ira  A.  Wood,  Gustavus  A.  Bird,  Jamejs 
Trowbridge,  Hazen  Mooers,  Heory  K.  i\verill,  St.  JJobii 
B.  L.  Skinner,  Frederick  P.  Allen,  Hiram  Walworth,  EtbaR 
Everest,  Amos  Soper,  James  faiten,  Barteiniis  Brooks, 
^mith  Bateman,  Melancton  W.  Travfs,  and  Ftftvel  Will- 
iams,  each  one  Rifle,  promised  them  by  Geneial  Ajl[^mli, 
while  commanding  the  Cbamplain  Department,  for  their 
gallantry  and  patriotic  services  as  a  volunteer  corpa,  during 
the  siege  of  Plattsburgh  In  September,  one  thousand  e^t 
bundled  and  fourteen,  on  each  of  which  said  Ri6[e||,  there 
shall  be  a  plate  containing  an  appropriate  iuMiiption. 

(APPfoTXD  20th,Miy,  i$2«.) 


'f . ' 


^'  «> 


30 


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rp 


]<> 


\ 


''■    i  War  Department,         )      * 

,  WABifiNOTON  Afay  4th.  Y837.  $ 

$iR-T-By  •  joint  I2esolut|oQ  of  Congress,  approved  the 
iM)th  of  M»y  1826,  the  Presijdent  of  the  United  States  is  au- 
thorised to  oause  to  bedeliveied  to  Jlifartin  I.  Aiken,  and 
others,  each  one  rifle,  proinised  them  by  Gen.  Macomb, 
while  commandini;  the  Ch^impUin  pepartment,  for  their 
gn^Uantry  and  patriotic  services  asf  a  volunteei  corps,  during 
tbe  siege  of  Pittsburgh  in  September^  one  thousand  ejght 
f-'  hundred  and  fourteen,  of  which  resolution  4  popy  |s  here- 
with  enclosed. 

In  the  fulfillment  of  the  intentions  of  Copgress  ^s  eipres- 
ed  by  the  resdluiion,  I  have  thought  it  very  proper  and 
puitable,  that  you  should  be  seiecited  on  the  occasion  to 
present  the  rilles  to  the  individuals  to  ivhom  they  i)re  aw^rd- 
«d,  especially  as^  you  bore  so  distinguished  a  par^  In  the 
4<Bfence  of  Platt&burgh,and  I  have  therefore  to  reqnest  that 
you  will  ^ake  upon  "^urself  the  pleasing  service,  as  I  Am 
sure  it  niust  bjp,  of  presenting  the  rifles  to  the  brave  vol-: 
unteers  named  in  the  resolution,  who  came  forward  so  pat- 
riolicaliy  in  the  defence  of  their  country,  upon  the  trying 
jBi^ergeupy  alluded  to,  and  who  by  their  conduct  on  that  oc- 
casion merttefj' the  ^RMSof  HONOR  promised  to  them  by 
tfieir  coipman^er,  and  con^rmed  to  them  by  the  Legisla- 
|ure  of  the  Union. 

Colonel  Bomford  of  the  Ordnance  Office  has  been  direc- 
ted to  cause  the  rifles  to  be  delivered  to  you  at  Pittsburgh. 

I  am  very  respectfully  Sir,  your  obedient,  servant 

JAME!^  BARBOUR,  Sc'cy  of  War.   • 
Maj.  Gen.  M90KRS,  Plattsb^rgh  N.  Y. 

,60  presen^ng  the  rifles  under  the  foregoing  resolution, 
pien.  Mooers  delivered  the  following  address: 

Captain  )Vfar(in  I.  Aiken  and  his  associt^tes  in  arms, 
OsNTx^MEN— By  a  resolution  of  Congress  approved  the 
120th  May  1826,  the  President  of  the  United  States  was 
authoiized  io  cause  to  be  delivered  to  Martin  I.  Aikin  and 
others,  each  one  rifle,  for  their  gallantry  and  patriotic  ser- 
vices as  a  volunteer  corps,  during  the  siege  of  Plattsburgh 
in  September '1814;  in  pursuance  of  which  resol'*(ior.,  the 
rifles  menlioned,  have  been  forwarded  (o,  preceded  by  a 
leqiicsl  ffom  the  lion,  the  Secretary  of  War,  thai  I   would 


«p^ 


*ii'"i| 


ates  is  au- 
Likeo,  and 
Macomb, 
,  for  their 
-p8,  during; 
sand  eight 
y  \9  here- 

^s  expres- 

)roper  and 

occasion  td 

urc  awird- 

)ar^  in  the 

equ(EBt  that 

s,  as  I  an^ 

brave  vol- 

fard  80  pat- 

the  trying 

on  that  oc- 

t   them  by 

ie  Legisla- 

»een  direc- 
lattsburgh. 
•vant 

of  War.    • 

I  resolution, 

^s  in  arms, 

proved  the 
[States  was 

Aikin  and 
triotic  ser- 

Mattsburgh 
ll'jcior.,  the 
leded   by  a 

)l  I   would 


m 


m 


aid  in  cari'jring  into  cflfectthe  rcstiititiOn  of  tionposSjhj 
presenting  them  'to  you.  And  the  opportunity  thuii  kindly 
afforded  me  of  performirtg  the  doty  ol  putting  into  your 
hands  these  honorable  tokens  of  your  Country  ^sappro(Miiion» 
as  well  sis  of  testifying  my  respect  for  your  laudable  eater- 
tionsfand  pt^triotic  serviced  is  most  cheerfully  e'lnbraaed. 

It  would  bave  been  gratffying  if  all  those  nailed  In  (he 
Resolution  could  have  met  6n  this  occasion.  It  would  haV* 
caused  a  happy  sensaliohj  tdhave  witnessed  M  ihis  Hiike, 
and  at  this  place,  so  near  the  scene  of  operations,  ull  (hosi 
who  with  youthful  ardor  and  alacrity  so  promptly  met  oui^ 
coUntiy's  foes.  But  alas  f  that  invisible  Hand  that  shiel'ds 
the  brave  in  the  hour  of  danger,  has  called  some  of  voiir 
number  from  time  into  eternity ;  and  the  fortunes  of  ctberi 
have  led  them  from  this  to  other  and  distant  parts  of  our 
bappy  country. 

Your  eorps,  although  not  numerous,  wa«  efficient  in  the 
execution  of  its  duties,  and  was  #6rMiy  o^  ^^^  bdhorable 
notice  of  Congress.  And  may  ^e  spirit  and  patriotic  feel- 
ing with  which  you  took  the  field  on  that  memorable  occa- 
sion, ever  glow  in  your  bosoms,  whenever  the  rtgbtsor  lib- 
erties of  our  Country  shall  again  be  assailed. 

And  to  the  fulfillment  of  the  intentions  of  gofibrnmcnt, 
and  in  its  behalf,  1  now  present  you,  Martini.  Atkeb,lra  A. 
Wood,  Henry  K.  Averill,  St.  John  B.  L.  Skinner^  Freder- 
ick P.  Alien  and  Hiram  Walworth,  and  each  of  you  individ- 
ually, (he  rifle  awarded  you,  as  a  token  of  approbation  of 
your  conduct  and  patrioti'sm. 

To  which  Capt.  Aiken  replied  as  follows :  Sii— In  be- 
half of  my  associates  as  well  as  in|ju&tice  to  my  own  feelings, 
I  give  you  thanks  for  the  very  'friendly  liiAnner  in  wbkh 
you  have  been  pleased  to  present  u^  these  tokens  of  (he 
approbation  of  our  country.  We  have  indeed  reason  to  be 
gratified^  when  we  reflect  how  inany  of  our)  iellow  citizens' 
rendered  important  and  srgnal  services  to  (heir  coun(ry  is 
the  recent  contest  with  a  neighboring  nation,  and  how  few 
of  them  have  been  thus  honorablf  iioticed  by  their  gotern- 
ment.  But  the  eonsciousness  of  having  at  all  times  dis- 
charged his  duty  towards  his  country,  is  the  patriots  best 
leward.    These  arms,  Sir,  these  Images  or  War«  shall  be 


* 


t 


'i 


W     f 


m 


t.) 


# 


#f  jiaiili<t  #•  owe  If  our  coaf  |||i« 
««iilty,if  d^^Miit«Q|  fjitmim     '  *" 


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